Letters to the Editor 1/14/09

Drive-up Liquor windows, Avatar and Daniel Hyne

Sam Cahnman has had his share of legal troubles, but remains steadfast when it comes to drive-up liquor stores.

DRINK AND DRIVE-UP

If you people think Sam Cahnman is an embarrassment, what about the fact that Springfield is the only major city in Illinois that still allows drive-up liquor window sales? How embarrassing is it to know that of the ten largest cities in Illinois Springfield is the only major city that still allows drunken drivers to simply drive up to a window and purchase more liquor?

I would suggest that you look up the word “hick” — as in over-grown hick town.

As someone who’s been working to get the 16 drive-ups in Decatur closed for the past seven years, I can tell you that there’s a certain quid pro quo relationship between the police and liquor lobby in both Decatur and Springfield.

People don’t realize how fortunate they are to have someone who’s got the sense and guts to stand up to the liquor cartel in their community. At least Sam’s more interested in protecting the lives of his constituents instead of people like Frank Edwards, whose primary concern is to protect drive-up liquor window owners and the drunken drivers to whom they so surreptitiously sell alcohol.

If you made it through the holiday season without getting smashed into by a drunken driver, you can thank people like Sam Cahnman.

David DakerDecatur

BADLY WRITTEN BLOCKBUSTER

Your synopsis of Avatar [see “Holidays at the movies,” Dec. 24] is perfect: “A wonder to behold, a story to forget.” I couldn’t agree with you on any more profound level.

When I saw Avatar with my husband I was shocked by how much we differed in our opinions of the film. My husband was thrilled by all the action and visual stimulation. I left the theater with some vague-taste of bubble-gum vomit in my throat. My feeling of disgust stemmed from the onslaught of Native American, African-American and war-mongering American-born stereotypes that were hurled at me throughout the film. It isn’t the foundation of the stereotypes that bothered me; it is the blatancy at which the film projects them: “Unobtanium,” African ritualistic dance during a mystic religious ceremony and a military man pumping iron — and refusing to die already. Instead of embedding a culturally pure message, this movie makes me want to strike against rich Hollywood producers who exploit consumerism and capitalism while preaching a message of love and harmony.

Mr. Cameron should remember that vision is only a percentage of all of our sensory experiences. He should consider how much our stomachs can stand clichés and atrocious writing. I would see this film again with earplugs.

Beth LittmanTucson

HYNES’ POLITICS

Daniel, Daniel, Daniel! What are you thinking? Paying the state’s bills is not a political issue; it is a fiscal responsibility. Isn’t that your job? Are you really going to stand by and watch state-supported social service agencies close? It is time to work something out between you, Alexi Giannoulias and Governor Quinn. You may all heed to compromise, but isn’t that what an elected official should do? I don’t care if you agree with the governor’s plan to borrow the money to pay state bills. If you are unwilling go compromise to solve a serious problem, you’re not my choice for the next governor. Furthermore, you should not be a choice for any low-income voter in Illinois or their family members (though I assume that is not important, since low-income voters do not make campaign contributions). Right now, you are the comptroller. Stop playing politics and do your job. If you figure out how to be a comptroller, you might be qualified to run for governor.